Page 22

CHLOE

N o matter how hard I tried, sleep didn’t come easy for me. My nerves were on high alert. The hair and makeup team arrived right on time. They were already working on the bridal party at the big house. The Kingstons were on the opposite side of the house, doing a prewedding tradition with their family, and didn’t need my assistance.

I checked over the schedule for today for the umpteenth time as I downed my cup of coffee. Mrs. Roberts made a travel mug for me, and then I was on my way to oversee all the last-minute tasks before Alex walked down the aisle.

The sun had only just risen, but it was going to be a long day. The tent crew would be at the location to begin setting up within the hour. When they were finished, I could start bringing things from the ranch. Everything was in totes and boxes, ready to be hauled over. It would be nice to empty out the girls’ bunkhouse where I’d been storing everything.

My phone pinged with an incoming text message.

Tent-o-rama: The tents were finished last night. Thank you for staying on top of things. Your helper was awesome.

Helper? What helper? He must be mistaken.

By the time I pulled up to the entrance of the property, I nearly spilled my coffee all over myself. There were cars lined up along the road and so many people moving around. The tents were up and half the boxes I’d planned to bring over were already here.

I blinked a few times and rubbed at my eyes. Every time I turned my head, I noticed another person from the ranch. I hopped out of the truck, making sure I had my tablet with me, and stumbled toward the nearest tent.

“Come on, guys. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go,” Kyle called out, clapping his hands. He glanced at his phone and bounced his finger as he counted chairs in the ceremony section.

I got closer and waited for him to finish counting. “What is all this?” I couldn’t keep the awe from my voice even if I tried. So much was done already.

Kyle startled and dropped his phone. He picked it up and smiled as he met me at the end of the aisle. “Morning, sweets. We were hoping for at least another hour before you got here.”

My heart pounded in my chest. God, I’d missed him so much. How had I ever found the strength to stay away?

“We wanted to surprise you.” He stepped even closer.

I smiled and leaned toward him, abruptly stopping. “We?”

“Hunter, Matt, and I. We’ve been working all night. What do you think?” He gestured with a sweep of his arm.

I slowly turned in a full circle, taking in everything around me.

The aisle was supposed to be lined with large rose arrangements, and clearly some of the flowers didn’t make it in time. Instead, in their place were large arrangements of wildflowers. They were gorgeous. Even better than the roses.

“I know there was supposed to be one on every row, but there weren’t enough. So we made them every other and filled in the gaps. I hope the stumps of wood are okay as fillers.” Kyle led me down the aisle, and his fix was fantastic. It gave it a rustic feel I knew Alex would love.

“The dance floor is being assembled, and so are the rest of the tables and chairs. Everyone is just going around and wiping all the dew off surfaces. What do you have next for us?” Kyle held out his hand, waiting for the tablet that was clutched in mine.

I handed it over, at a loss for words. All the guys were working on different tasks in the field. Hunter was helping put together the dance floor. He looked up and smiled. Matt was stretching chair covers on the last of the chairs at the tables. Gavin was unfolding the last few chairs where the ceremony was happening, and Ryder was assembling the arch. My vision blurred as tears pricked at the backs of my eyes.

“What is all this?” How did they even know what needed to be done?

“We know you have a lot riding on this. Not only is it the Kingston wedding, but it’s your final assignment. There was no way we couldn’t help when you needed us.” Kyle hooked his finger under my chin. “We know we messed up, but we wanted to make it up to you.”

“We wanted to show you how sorry we are.” Hunter appeared on Kyle’s left.

“And how wrong we were.” Matt stood on his right. “We love you, and I’m sorry I’m an idiot and didn’t realize what we had together. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I was stupid to wait so long to tell you.” Matt’s choked voice told me just as much as his words.

“I lost you once, and I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you again, but in the process, I ended up doing just that. But I’m here to tell you it’ll never happen again.” Hunter grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it.

I sighed. This all felt unreal, like a fantasy come true. Relief flooded through me.

Horns honked, snapping my focus back to what was happening around us. The florist truck drove through the gates, followed by a King’s Ranch SUV with a smiling Andrew behind the wheel.

“Seems like the rest of the flowers made it. We need to get to work.” Kyle jerked his chin in the direction of the newcomers.

“I have a dance floor to finish.” Hunter pressed a gentle kiss on my nose.

“And I have one more table to do.” Matt kissed me on the cheek then jogged off.

Kyle put his hands on my shoulders and steered me toward the entrance. “Shall we get this show on the road?” He chuckled, and I laughed. The sinking feeling that had been threatening to pull me under for the last few days was lifting, and I could breathe again.

“Absolutely.” It was time to get the most perfect wedding underway.

Finally, hours later, everything was ready. The guests were being shuttled in, and we had stable hands manning the entrance, directing people and making sure they were on the guest list. It wasn’t like this was a super high-profile wedding, but we did have to get rid of paparazzi, and the wedding hadn’t even started yet.

Alex was in her tent, getting her finishing touches. I peeked my head in. “How’s everything in here?”

“So far, so good.” Jessie gave me a thumbs-up. Grace and Tori were fixing a few of Alex’s stray curls and applying her lipstick. The stylist was making sure the men were at their best before joining the girls.

Thomas and Declan were adamant that they wanted their first view of Alex to be her walking down the aisle, so we had a little more time.

“Okay. We’re done,” Tori said, her voice thick with tears.

“Don’t you start, or I’ll cry too.” Alex sniffed and stood. When she turned to face me, my breath caught. She was a dream in her gown, elegant and sexy. I couldn’t wait to see what everyone thought about her surprise reception dress.

“Knock, knock. Is everyone decent?”

I laughed as I made my way to the flap door to let Alex’s father in.

“You did good, girlie,” Dr. Brooks, the town’s former vet and Alex’s father, said as he gave me a hug.

“Thanks. And now I need to check on the guys.” I waved to Alex as I made my way to the other tent.

“Can I come in?”

Multiple voices yelled out yes.

“How are we all doing in here?” I went into the tent and stopped in my tracks. “Y’all are an incredibly handsome bunch. This should be illegal,” I said, circling my hand in the air to indicate the scene.

“Way to be professional. Is this how you’re going to act during all your events?” Stefan teased, stepping next to me.

“Eh, maybe,” I teased back.

The men chuckled. I quickly counted and made note of everyone here. “Does anyone need anything before I check on a few more things?”

Garrett held out his boutonniere with a sheepish expression on his face. “Chloe, will you do this before I bleed all over my tux?”

I grinned and attached it to Garrett’s lapel. “I can’t wait for you guys to see Alex. She looks amazing.” I smiled and waved to everyone after making sure once more I wasn’t needed. Now I just needed to make my rounds and ensure everything else was on schedule.

The hired team of photographers was scattered around. I checked in with the caterers and Oliver, then the officiants. The wedding was going to be made legal in both countries. One officiant would marry Alex to Thomas for the US license, and the other from Cosland would marry Declan and Thomas to Alex. They had worked together to make the ceremony seamless, and I nearly cried when they went through it all with me for my approval.

I stood in the middle, smiling. Every last thing was just right.

“Do you need anything?” Kyle’s breath tickled my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I glanced at my watch. “We need to make sure everyone gets to their seats. We should be starting soon.”

“On it.” He kissed my shoulder and disappeared.

My heart melted. All the guys from the ranch took on the various tasks I needed done. I watched as Kyle made his way to Matt and spoke to him, then they both went off and gathered the guys not assigned a duty. The next minute, all of them were rounding up guests and directing them to their seats.

I went to the other side of the line of trees where the personal tents were and found the mother and fathers of the groom.

“Oh, Chloe. You did a phenomenal job. If only you lived in Cosland. I’d hire you as my new event planner,” the duchess gushed.

“Thank you so much. That means a lot. I hope the rest of the night is to your liking as well. Now, if you will assume your positions, we are about to start.”

I held my arm out toward the big cottonwood tree. They made their way over, and the men emerged from their tent to join them. My smile stretched from cheek to cheek as I watched the duchess fuss over Declan’s bowtie, and I hoped one of the photographers was getting this.

The orchestra started up, and everyone took their places. Finally, it was time for the girls to walk down the aisle, followed by the beautiful bride. The wildflowers we substituted at the last minute fit so well. It reminded me to go outside my comfort zone and consider suggesting other variations when working with brides.

Just as the flower girl and ring bearer made it down the aisle, the music changed, and Alex stood at the end. Her breath hitched, and tears filled her eyes as she took in Thomas and Declan’s adoring gazes. Her dad whispered in her ear, and she let out a quiet laugh, which seemed to stop the tears.

I don’t think there was ever a prettier bride. Alex was a vision as she slowly walked down the runner. Every so often, she’d smile at a guest and her dad would have to remind her to keep going. Alex was loved by so many, and there wasn’t a dry eye by the end of the ceremony.

When the bride and grooms proceeded down the aisle toward me and guests cheered, I discreetly ushered them away from everyone and to the area for pictures. Kyle had been right about it being the best spot. I took a sneak peek at the photographer’s camera and gave her the thumbs-up. They looked amazing and so incredibly in love.

After I helped Alex change into her second dress, she smiled and twirled.

“You are gorgeous. You’ll knock them dead a second time today.”

She gave me an impromptu hug. “Thank you doesn’t even seem like enough. Just know how much I appreciate every little detail. Without you, today would never have happened. We were all so busy, and planning the wedding on top of work was overwhelming. And with you here to help every step of the way, I was able to enjoy getting ready and can spend time with my guests and not worry about anything going wrong.”

I squeezed her tight. “I’m so happy I could help. Now get out there. Your guests are waiting for you.”

She ducked out of the tent just as the DJ announced the newlyweds into the reception area. Their first dance was cute, and Alex was twirled back and forth between Thomas and Declan. The speeches had the crowd laughing, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food, but Alex’s second dress stole the show.

“You know you can sit down for a second.” Hunter came up behind me and placed his hands on my hips.

I tilted my head to let it lie on his shoulder. “I know, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get up again if I do.”

My head bounced with the reverberation of his chuckle. I sighed and turned my face to place a kiss on his chin. There was no time to rest. I had to make another round and check to make sure everything was continuing to go off without a hitch.

I passed by Oliver and gave him a thumbs-up. He was having a blast and kicking ass behind the bar with his assistant. The signature drink was clearly a hit judging by all the green drinks everywhere. And the DJ was rocking the house while he played all the songs Alex, Declan, and Thomas had selected.

When Sawyer, one of Garrett’s friends, asked Lacey for a dance, I almost laughed out loud at the sight of Ryder glaring at Sawyer over her shoulder. He took the hint and backed away, resulting in her turning and hitting Ryder.

It was hard to stand in the background and try to be invisible when all I wanted to do was go out and have fun with my friends. Holly and Lacey had helped for most of the night, either as waitresses, ushers, or Oliver’s backup, but I finally tapped them out. It was only fair they got to enjoy some of the night too. A typical event planner had a team, and I had my team of Kyle, Matt, Hunter, Holly, and Lacey. Someday, when I had my own business, I’d be able to hire multiple teams.

“Is it me, or do weddings make you horny?” Matt whispered in my ear. I turned to see him, Hunter, and Kyle, standing together, all of them drool-worthy in their suits. Their matching grins set my panties on fire.

“Weddings? No, I think it’s you guys who make me horny.” I gave them a sassy wink.

“Damn, kitten. I may like your tight jeans a little too much, but this skirt has been fucking killing me all night. Do you know how hard it is to hide my boner in these slacks?” Hunter adjusted himself.

“I may be on the clock right now, but don’t think I won’t take that as a challenge and find more ways to make sure you’re hard in front of everyone.” I ran my finger down the front of Hunter’s shirt.

“Damn, sweets. You play dirty.” Kyle nibbled the shell of my ear. “I like it.”

“Well, we all know how much Hunter likes to play his games. And I would love to watch him squirm the rest of the night. Please, Greene. Do it for me?” Matt batted his eyelashes.

“You think you’re free if I do this? Oh, no. You all are in for it.” This right here was everything I wanted. Me with my guys, flirting and having a great time together. And tonight would only get better.

“Is that so? And how do you plan on getting all of us tonight?” Matt tilted his head.

I smoothed my hands over my ass. “You know how you love this skirt so much? No lines… all smooth.” I watched them nod. “That’s because I don’t wear panties under it.”

All three of their jaws dropped, and I slowly walked away.

I spent the rest of the night finding ways to turn my men on. My men. I chewed on my lower lip. From everything they said earlier, I was starting to believe they were truly mine. It appeared they’d figured out their hang-ups and had come together for me. However, I had to be sure they were in this before jumping back in.

“Oh. My. Gosh. Please, please, please let me use some of your story for my next book,” Lacey begged as we started the cleanup. The night had been slowly winding down, and most of the guests had already left.

I laughed. “Maybe. We can talk about it later. Let’s get this place somewhat in order before we call it quits.” The catering crew had finished packing their van and so had Oliver. I’d told everyone else to leave and return in the morning if they could.

“Nope. We called it already. Time to quit.” Matt, Hunter, and Kyle strode over to us. “Everyone, go home. Meet here in the morning.”

“It’s already morning, Matt,” Holly pointed out.

“Fine. Meet here at ten o’clock. Does that work?” Matt was fighting the smile that threatened to appear on his face, and I couldn’t help but giggle. I was overtired and ready to get off my feet.

“I mean, if they want to stay, they can, but I’m ready to take kitten home.” Hunter stepped forward and tossed me over his shoulder.

“Put me down.” I laughed and lightly beat on his back.

“Nope.” He swatted my ass and turned to leave. “Bye, everyone. Ten o’clock.”

“Now I’m definitely using that, and you have no say!” I heard Lacey holler as Hunter carried me away.